Rome’s new public safety commissioner begins Monday

Saturday

Michael Grande doesn’t see any major problems with how the city’s police and fire departments are being run.

Michael Grande doesn’t see any major problems with how the city’s police and fire departments are being run.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement, said Grande, a Rome native who starts as the city’s public safety commissioner Monday.

“I’m sure once I get inside I’ll see some of the daily things that they have to deal with and I can help out,” he said.

Grande retired as a New York State Police investigator March 31 after serving more than 30 years with the department. He said he will use the connections he’s made with departments “around the state and around the country” to strengthen public safety in Rome.

Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco said he will be able to focus more attention on economic development with Grande in place.